The T20 World Cup, commencing on June 1, will be hosted across venues in the USA and the Caribbean, culminating on June 29.While Rinku has been named in the reserves, he has not secured a spot in the main squad.
Speaking to media, Harbhajan opined, “The World Cup team has been selected. The batting is good. I think we are one fast bowler short. One player that I think we will miss is Rinku Singh, because he is someone who can win the match single-handedly for us. He can chase down 60 runs in 20 balls. I think selecting four spinners is a bit too much. Three would have been enough. I wish the Team India all the best, hope they bring the cup.”
He further added that he does not envision India fielding four spinners in a single game. “I do not think we will ever play four spinners in a game. Ravindra Jadeja will play. Maybe Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal will play with him. Maybe we will field three spinners in a game. We will get to know the combo on seeing the conditions,” he elaborated.
Rinku made his T20 debut against Ireland in 2023, and since then, he has featured in 15 matches and 11 innings, amassing 356 runs at an impressive average of 89.00 and a strike rate of 176.24. The left-handed batter last represented India in a 20-over match against Afghanistan in January 2024.
However, Rinku’s IPL 2024 campaign has been underwhelming, with just 168 runs in 11 innings at an average of 18.66 and a highest score of 26. This could be attributed to either a dip in form or limited opportunities lower down the order due to the top order’s stellar performances.
Harbhajan remarked that the real challenge for India will commence in the West Indies during the Super Eight phase when they face formidable opponents like Australia and New Zealand. However, the group stage encounter against Pakistan on June 9 in New York could set the tone for India’s campaign.
“I am sure we will win against Pakistan, we have a great track record against them and have a better team,” he added.
The former spinner also acknowledged that while Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper and India’s star wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant performed admirably on his return to competitive cricket following a road accident, Sanju Samson, who has been leading Rajasthan Royals (RR), deserves an opportunity.
“Rishabh Pant played well in the IPL. He has come out of his injuries. He looked fit, batted well and did some nice wicketkeeping. But Sanju played really well. I would like to see him get a chance. He has been performing consistently. He has been scoring 60s and 70s and is not the old Sanju anymore who would score just 30s and 40s. But there has been no hurry in bringing Pant back, he worked really hard. I hope he does something special for India,” he said.
Pant had a stellar tournament for the Capitals, amassing 446 runs at an average of 40.54 in 13 innings with a strike rate of 155.40. He also notched up three half-centuries, with a highest score of 88*. Behind the stumps, he was electric, taking some spectacular catches and effecting brilliant stumpings.
Samson, on the other hand, is enjoying his finest IPL season. In 13 innings, he has accumulated 504 runs at an average of 56.00 and a strike rate of 156.52, including five half-centuries. His highest score stands at 86.
India will commence their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, followed by the high-profile clash against Pakistan on June 9 at the same venue
(Inputs from ANI)
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